Updates from Sa Pa!

Ly May Chan

After getting off the night train from Hanoi the morning of Sept 30th, Kyle Sandilands and Jase Wilson have been working hard to meet the trip's objectives. In Sa Pa, the team met up with Ms. Ngoc Ahn and HOU student volunteer Ms Trang. 'Team Sa Pa' are preparing 11 Red Dao entrepreneurs for their big trip to Hanoi where they will meet with private sector tour companies. So far a lot of learning has happened, including:

• culture shock preparation,
• business meeting etiquette,
• presenting their business, and
• public speaking skills

Excitement is high for our entrepreneurs. For some, this will be the biggest trip of their lives. Some are apprehensive and have expressed their concerns about the big city and the trip in general. Some of the community leaders are more well traveled and are assisting with pulling the group together. For example, Ly May Chan has shared her past experiences of the big city and what to expect.

Tonight is the night that the adventure begins! We start the long trek to Hanoi this evening. The team is prepared for eventualities - but maybe not prepared for the amount of attention that eleven beautifully dressed Red Dao women are sure to receive! The ladies have packed their best - undoubtedly they will make quite an impression on the tourists in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Soon to come will be footage of our trip. Keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter. We are looking forward to your comments.